Dramatic footage shows New Zealand bridge washed away in severe storm

NZ bridge washed away in storm1:20

A bridge over a New Zealand river was washed away in a severe rainstorm, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency.

March 26th 2019

2 months ago

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The incredible moment a bridge in New Zealand is washed away in an intense storm.Source:Supplied

A bridge over a New Zealand river was washed away in a severe rainstorm, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency.

The storm battered the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, forcing the closure of 300km of road due to flooding, according to media reports.

Footage shown on local television and distributed on social media showed part of the Waiho Bridge, near the town of Franz Josef, breaking off in torrential river flooding and swaying loose in the rushing water, with the remaining sections soon collapsing.

The Waiho Bridge, near the town of Franz Josef.Source:Supplied

It couldn’t withstand the power of the storm.Source:Supplied

In a short video posted on Facebook, Westland mayor Bruce Smith declared a state of emergency and said the storm was expected to continue for another day.

“I have concerns about people’s lives in Franz Josef,” Mr Smith said in the message, adding another bridge was also damaged.

There were no reports of injuries.

About 50 people, mostly tourists, were staying at a makeshift emergency centre in a local hall to see out the storm, media reported.